In the far northeastern corner of the United States, a land of towering pine trees, playful puffins, and legendary lobsters, you'll find an enchanting state known as Maine. Its kids are as unique as the wild blueberries that dot the landscape, especially those who take part in an ancient activity – sewing! Now, hold on to your thimbles, because these aren't your ordinary seamstresses and tailors. No, no, the Kids of Maine Thread Association (KOMTA) are a group of fabric-loving, button-sewing, seam-ripping heroes... with a twist! Led by their fearless leader, Purl the Piney Puffin (who, contrary to popular belief, is not a bird, but a mischievous and endearing girl with a puffin-like laugh), they gather in tree forts, lighthouses, and the cozy corners of local lobster shacks. Bursting with creativity as vibrant as a sunset over Acadia National Park, these youngsters wield their needles like knights brandish their swords. With a swish of their thread, they transform ordinary fabric into extraordinary creations. A polka-dot octopus plushie? No problem! A quilt that could rival a kaleidoscope? Challenge accepted! Purl and her team aren't just sewing for the fun of it (even though it is a stitch of a time). They use their craft to solve problems, too. Lost a button on your favorite coat? KOMTA is on it. Need a costume for the annual Lobster Festival Parade? They're your go-to crew. In the state of Maine, where lighthouses guide sailors and majestic moose roam freely, you'll find a group of kids stitching laughter, joy, and a whole lot of love into every corner of their beautiful home. So, the next time you find a loose thread, remember Purl and her crew of Maine's imaginative, sewing superheroes!
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The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.
At our College for Kids, we offer classes that are designed to introduce kids to the college-level art creation experience. Every class is either one or one and a half hours long and meets once a week for three trimesters. Our instructors are local professional artists who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their classes. Throughout the trimesters, we have a variety of projects that range from art history to children’s literature, and use fine arts materials. As an added bonus, we also bring in local field trips so that kids can experience the art community outside of the classroom. At the end of each trimester, we host a First Friday Art Walk opening to showcase the student’s work. Not only that, but we also offer summer-long art camps for those who want to continue their learning. With our College for Kids program, kids get an experience that’s just like college-level art classes!